The Best in our Heart

We are not made rich by what is in our pockets or portfolios, but by what is in our hearts. – Sparks  

The disciples were indignant that the woman ‘wasted’ her expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. He said it was a beautiful thing for her to do. Hmm!  

Fine China. Fancy Silverware. Candles and Table linens. An expensive restaurant – NO! For most of us it’s our cabinets at home. They're stuffed with these things. We’re waiting for the special moments or occasions to break them out. Often, we live our lives for Jesus in the same way, waiting for those special moments to show our best. But he asks us to spend our costs daily “take up your cross;” not holding back anything. As you enter into the heart of today may you spend God’s grace and mercy profusely, you won’t run out!  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“Freely you have received, freely give.” – Matthew 10:8

Getting Better

You can always be better. – Anon  
Abel was not just content to offer God the ‘fat portions’ of his increase, he took them from the firstborn of his flock. Hmm!  

“Close enough!” If ever a phrase limited man that’s it. We’ve become a people or society that lives by that credo. It’s given us license to reset the target, lower our expectations, and rest our pursuits. But today was given to us for just one purpose – we can all always be better. Better at loving, better at forgiving, better at extending mercy, better at lending a hand, better at listening with an open heart, better at speaking gracefully, better at exercising patience, better at stewardship, better at friendship, and even better at work or play. The list can go on and on and on – for we were all made in the image of God (in character and nature) and He has ALWAYS given us His best, so in truth we have nothing but upside potential. Besides, by getting better in any of the above we actually get better at giving God praise, and in the end that’s what really matters.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“….So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty….’” – Luke 17:10

Christmas Perspective

The gift of Christmas leaves none wanting or wishing if it is truly received. - Anon

The Israelites had God as their loving leader,  instead after looking at their neighbors they wanted a king like everyone else. It really cost them. Hmm!

Admittedly, we are imperfect human beings in nature. We know what God says to us in His Word, but yet we go against it anyway. For instance, we know that envy is sin, but sometimes in our human frailness and particularly in this time of the year where we see the blessings, gifts, and fellowships others are enjoying envy can rear its head. Thus, we must guard ourselves against that natural tendency to feel resentment and jealousy towards others because of their good fortune. As a believer, we have absolutely no right or reason to be envious of anyone, because we ourselves are already possessors of the greatest gift of all creation: God’s Grace through Christ. Nothing matches it, exceeds it, or compares with it, and it abounds more and more each day. So a simple suggestion guaranteed to keep us satisfied and content is to fill our hearts with God’s love, His promises, and His Son, and that will not leave any room for any bitter activity.

We will be taking a few days off until the New Year, so until then…..
Pastor Botts

“…..therefore, laying aside all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy……desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” – I Peter 2:1-2

What we HAVE

“I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread.” – Psalm 37:25

Paul said that whether he had plenty or none, as long as he had God he was content. AMEN!  

As an avid coffee drinker I’ve hit a many donut shops in my time. Some good, some not so good. But I can recall a poem I once saw some years back that resonates with life:  

As you travel through life friend, Whatever be your goal, Keep your eyes on the donut, And not upon the hole.  

It’s a somewhat simple message that’s meant to remind us that we should spend more time looking at and being thankful for what we have and not worrying about what we don’t have. God has gifted us with exactly everything He needs us to have at this moment. In fact, we’ve got more blessings than we can truly count, and maybe that’s what we should do, start counting and start thanking Him for every one of them. In the end it’s a lot more meaningful and a lot less costly, and we can all stand to save a little more anyway.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“…..My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life…..” – Psalm 23:5